RCHS wins Randolph County Invitational Tournament

The Randolph County girls’ softball team roared through the last couple of weeks, amassing six wins and only three losses.

The Lady Tigers showed their claws with a pair of convincing victories over Winterboro, winning the first game 17-4 and the second game 20-1.

“They’re getting some confidence,” Randolph County head coach Robyn Wortham said. “They’re just working hard, at practice and at play.”

The first game saw a perfect performance at the plate from Cherie Green, who was 3-for-3 on the day. Lacey Wortham went 2-for-3 and Nicole Deese went 3-for-4.

In the second game, four Randolph County players were perfect at bat. Tierra Green was 3-for-3, Cherie Green was 2-for-2, Nicole Deese was 2-for-2 and Wortham was 2-for-2 as well.

Tierra Green also had an outstanding day on the mound, striking out five batters in two innings of work, while giving up only four hits.

The Lady Tigers then hosted Faith Christian, where they put up another dominating performance with a 14-1 win.

Emily Sanders and Nicole Deese were each 2-for-2 at the plate, while Jade Robinson was 2-for-3.

The Lady Tiger pitchers combined for an amazing 10 strikeouts against Faith Christian.

Randolph County then went to work at the Jacksonville Christian Tournament, where they put yet another whooping on Faith Christian, this time by a score of 21-0.

Sanders, Nicole Hall and Nicole Deese were each a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate. Hope Deese chimed in with a 3-for-4 performance also.

After the win over Faith in the JCS tournament, Randolph County was determined to take home the title, but fell in a close one to Jacksonville Christian in extra innings, 9-8.

Cherie Green led the team at the plate with a 3-for-5 performance while Hope Deese and Nicole Deese were 2-for-4 and 2-for-3 respectively.

Randolph County then hit the road to face off against Lineville.

In their last meeting Lineville owned the Lady Tigers 18-2. This time it was a different story.

Randolph County literally came out swinging and earned an 8-6 win over Lineville.

Cherie Green, Robinson and Hall were each 2-for-4 on the day. Tierra Green went 3-for-4, Sanders went 2-for-3 and Kayla Cole was 1-for-1.

“The key difference with us is we’re hitting the ball,” Wortham said. “It’s not just one hitting, everybody’s hitting the ball.”

Things got tough though when a strong Clay County team visited Randolph County. Clay County downed the Lady Tigers 17-7.

Tierra Green went 2-for-3, Cherie Green went 2-for-4 and Nicole Deese went 2-for-2 at the plate.

Wortham said that while the Lady Tigers had no problems connecting with the ball, it was where the ball went that gave them trouble.

“We hit the ball,” Wortham said. “We just hit it to somebody.”

Wortham said the team started out on fire, leading 6-2 going into the top of the fourth inning.

“We got most of our runs in the first inning, then we just got cold as ice,” Wortham said.

Saturday, the Lady Tigers hosted the Randolph County Invitational Tournament.

Anniston was forced to forfeit the rest of the tournament after its starting pitcher was injured in the opening game against Wadley.

Randolph County went on to beat Wadley 11-7.

Wortham said Wadley started off strong, but the Lady Tigers finally warmed up.

“They were ahead of us in the beginning,” Wortham said. “Then we were able to put the bat on the ball.”

Wortham said pitching was the biggest factor in the win over Wadley.

Lacey Wortham got the start, but Tierra Green’s relief performance sealed the game for the Lady Tigers. Wadley mustered only one hit against Green.

“She stepped in and just bam, bam, bam,” Wortham said.

Emily Sanders, Tierra Green and Nicole Deese were each named to the All-Tournament Team.

The Lady Tigers now sit at 8-13 on the season and continue to work toward a possible playoff spot.

“Anything’s possible,” Wortham said. “They just get in there and work their butts off.”

After a slow start this season, Wortham said her team is really starting to come together.

“We’re only as good as our weakest link,” Wortham said. “Our motto is work as a team. Now everything’s starting to regroup.”